News & Insights

Introducing Care Coordination Services under OhioRISE

Wraparound Care for Youth Complex Behavioral Treatment 

Wraparound care is nothing new to OhioGuidestone, but now the State of Ohio is using this model of streamlined care and is relying on us to manage part of it.

OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence) is a specialized Medicaid managed care program that focuses on children who have complex behavioral health and multi-system needs. 

Over time, it will mean that kids who deal with complex behavioral health issues do not have to travel across state lines or be in a secured facility. Instead, the goal is to bring their care closer to home in their familiar communities and surroundings using a proven OhioGuidestone wraparound approach, where care is more accessible and manageable. 

Andrea O’Brien, OhioGuidestone Director of Care Coordination, says complex behavioral needs involve a multitude of care sources like a mental health counselor, a physical or occupational therapist, the schools, the courts, and more, all needing separate appointments, locations, and transportation. 

“Imagine a family where you have individuals dealing with trauma, physical and mental health issues, substance abuse, the criminal justice system, and child welfare services, all with separate agendas and needs. They need a single advocate to bring those services together. A care coordinator can unite all those entities, and within 12 to 18 months, with their needs met, the family can establish a community of support outside of those resources.”

Back in February the state awarded OhioGuidestone $970,000 to hire and train 150 care coordinators who will manage OhioRise treatment in western Cuyahoga County. 

As a care management entity (CME) for OhioRISE, OhioGuidestone will eventually help over 2,000 young people who need specialized behavioral healthcare services close to home. 

O’Brien says many of those care management jobs are still available. “We are looking for people with experience coordinating teams of people. They don’t necessarily need a license to do the job. OhioGuidestone provides the necessary training through our ‘Center of Excellence’ program at Case Western Reserve University.” 

Would you be a good care coordinator? Contact us.

Anyone interested in becoming a Care Coordinator can find information at OhioGuidestone.org/employment, or if you know someone who might benefit from OhioRise call 1-866-502-RISE (1-866-502-7473).